The Complete Moving Day Checklist When Using a Man and a Van

Moving day can feel overwhelming, even when you’ve spent weeks preparing. Boxes pile up, schedules get tight, and the pressure to keep everything organised can be exhausting. But when you hire a man and a van in Dublin, the entire process becomes smoother, faster, and far less stressful. These services are flexible, affordable, and perfect for apartment moves, small houses, student relocations, and quick furniture transfers across the city.

To help you enjoy a stress-free move, here is the complete moving day checklist designed especially for people using a man and van service in Dublin. This guide covers everything—from confirming your booking and preparing your home, to packing tips, loading essentials, and arrival day tasks.

Why a Man and a Van in Dublin Simplifies Moving Day

A man and a van service is becoming one of Dublin’s most popular ways to move. Unlike traditional large moving companies, these services are ideal for small to medium-sized moves where you don’t need a huge truck or a large team.

When you work with a local man and a van in Dublin, you benefit from:

• Flexibility: You can choose the time slot that suits you, even for evening or weekend moves.

• Affordability: Pricing is usually hourly and transparent.

• Local expertise: Drivers understand Dublin’s narrow streets, estates, one-way routes, and busy zones.

• Speed: Smaller teams move quickly, especially for apartment buildings or short-distance relocations.

• Convenience: Ideal for furniture delivery, student moves, single-item transport, and small home removals.

Dublin neighbourhoods—from Rathmines and Phibsborough to Swords, Crumlin, and Dublin City Centre—often have tight parking, busy junctions, or narrow Georgian entries. A compact moving van navigates these challenges with ease.

Pre-Move Day Prep: What to Finalise Before the Van Arrives

Good preparation is the secret to a smooth moving day. The day before your move, work through these steps:

1. Confirm Your Booking Details

• Double-check your booking time.

• Confirm your pickup and drop-off addresses.

• Share any access details like building entry codes, lift instructions, or restricted parking zones.

• Let the team know about heavy or fragile items.

Clear communication helps the movers plan the best route and bring the right tools.

2. Pack Smartly and Label Everything

Proper packing saves time on loading and unloading.

• Use strong cardboard boxes or reusable plastic crates.

• Label each box with the room name and contents.

• Wrap breakables with bubble wrap or clothes.

• Keep one “essentials box” aside with toiletries, chargers, medicines, snacks, and important documents.

3. Prepare Your Furniture

• Disassemble beds, tables, and shelves in advance.

• Place small screws and bolts in labelled bags.

• Wrap legs, edges, and corners with blankets or padding.

• Keep a toolbox handy for reassembly.

4. Organise Your Access and Parking

Dublin can be tricky for parking.

• Check if you need a temporary parking permit.

• Arrange a spot close to your entrance.

• Clear hallways, stairways, or shared corridors.

When the movers arrive, they will appreciate having a clear path to the van.

The Complete Moving Day Checklist

This is the checklist you should follow step-by-step on moving day.

Before the Movers Arrive

• Wake up early and do a final walkthrough of your home.

• Place all boxes near the entrance but keep pathways open.

• Keep valuables, jewellery, passports, and cash in a separate bag you carry yourself.

• Disconnect all appliances: fridge, washing machine, and electronics.

• Take photos of large furniture pieces before the move (useful for reference later).

• Make sure your phone is fully charged.

During Loading

The loading process sets the tone for the rest of the move.

• Guide the man and a van team through your home.

• Tell them what needs to go first (heavy items), and what requires extra care (fragile items).

• Let movers handle lifting—they are trained, and it prevents injury.

• Check cupboards, wardrobes, storage cabinets, and the loft to ensure nothing is left behind.

• Keep children and pets safely away from busy walkways.

• Review the loading area once the van is full.

During Transport

• If you have a car, follow behind the van. If not, ask if you can ride along—many man and van services allow this.

• Share the best route to your new home. You may know shortcuts or closures that the movers don’t.

• Keep your phone on in case the team needs to contact you.

• If travelling long distance, take a small bag of snacks and water.

On Arrival at the New Home

Once you arrive at the new place:

• Direct the movers to each room so they know where boxes should go.

• Decide the position of large furniture like sofas, beds, and wardrobes before unloading.

• Check door frames and entryways for clearance.

• Turn on utilities like electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi.

• If something seems missing or misplaced, notify the movers immediately.

Final Walkthrough

Before the van leaves:

• Open all boxes that contain fragile items to confirm nothing is damaged.

• Make sure every room has the correct boxes.

• Inspect the van to ensure nothing remains inside.

• Ask if the movers can help arrange heavy furniture—many man and van teams do light setup.

• Make notes of anything that requires follow-up.

At this point, your move is nearly complete. You can start settling into your new home.

Tips to Get the Most Out of a Man and a Van in Dublin

Even though man and van services are efficient, a few extra steps can make the day smoother:

1. Book Early

Dublin’s weekends and month-end dates get busy. Booking early helps you secure your preferred time slot and better pricing.

2. Choose the Right Van Size

Small moves need a medium van, while 1–2 bedroom apartments often require a larger van. Ask your mover for advice—they’ll recommend the best option.

3. Declutter Before Moving

Fewer items mean lower costs and less stress. Donate what you don’t need or recycle old items.

4. Avoid Peak Traffic Times

Dublin traffic can slow your move significantly. Aim for late morning or early afternoon slots.

5. Keep Fragile Items Separate

Mark these boxes and inform your movers early. They will load them last to prevent damage.

6. Stay Organised

Keep keys, documents, chargers, and essential items in one dedicated bag.

How to Choose the Best Man and a Van Service in Dublin

Selecting the right service makes all the difference. When researching moving providers:

• Look at customer reviews and ratings.

• Check if they provide insurance or damage protection.

• Choose a company that knows Dublin well.

• Ask if they offer fixed pricing or hourly rates.

• Make sure they handle your type of move—house moves, apartment relocations, furniture delivery, etc.

Experienced movers will guide you throughout the process and ensure your move runs smoothly.

Conclusion

A moving day doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a reliable man and a van in Dublin, your move can be quick, organised, and hassle-free. Whether you’re relocating across Dublin City Centre or moving to a quieter suburb, following this complete checklist will help you stay in control from start to finish. Take your time, plan ahead, communicate with your movers, and enjoy a smooth transition to your new home.